MLA Format
In this worksheet, you will learn how to format a 3-paragraph argumentative essay using MLA style. MLA formatting is
typically used in humanities and language arts papers. Be sure to follow the guidelines for both the essay and the
Works Cited page.
Section 1: MLA Essay Format
General Guidelines:
1. Font and Size: Use 12-point, easily readable font like Times New Roman.
2. Spacing: Double-space the entire essay, including any block quotations and the Works Cited page.
3. Margins: Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
4. Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph ½ inch from the left margin.
5. Header: Create a header in the top right corner with your last name and page number (e.g., Smith 1).
Sample MLA Format:
[Your Name]
[Instructor’s Name]
[Course Name]
[Date] (Day Month Year, e.g., 2 October 2024)
Title of Your Essay:
Center your title (no bold, italics, or underlining) and capitalize key words.
Section 2: Argumentative Essay Structure
Introduction (First Paragraph): (Make sure you do not include any bullet points. It should be in sentence
format)
● Hook: Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention (e.g., a fact, statistic, or question).
● Background: Provide a brief explanation of the topic.
● Thesis Statement: State your argument or main point clearly. It should be the last sentence of the
introduction.
Body Paragraph (Second Paragraph):
● Topic Sentence: Begin with a sentence that supports your thesis.
● Evidence: Provide at least one piece of evidence (e.g., a quote, fact, or statistic) to back up your claim.
● Explanation: Explain how the evidence supports your argument.
● Transition: End with a sentence that transitions into your next point or conclusion.
Conclusion (Third Paragraph):
● Restate Thesis: Restate your thesis in different words.
● Summarize Points: Briefly summarize the main points of your essay.
● Call to Action: End with a strong closing statement or call to action that urges the reader to think further or
take action.
Section 3: Works Cited Page
General Guidelines:
1. Title: Center the title “Works Cited” at the top of a new page.
2. Entries: List your sources alphabetically by the author’s last name.
3. Indentation: Use a hanging indent for each entry (the second and subsequent lines of the entry should be
indented ½ inch).
4. Double-Spaced: Ensure the Works Cited page is double-spaced like the rest of the essay.
Sample Entry for a Website:
Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Title of the Article.” Website Name, Day Month Year, URL.
Example:
Doe, Jane. “The Future of Argumentative Writing.” Writing Central, 15 March 2023,
[Link]/future-of-essays.